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Rare Declaration of Independence Broadside Set for Auction

A unique broadside copy of the Declaration of Independence is slated to go under the hammer at Sotheby’s, with estimates placing its value between $2 million and $4 million.

This particular edition dates back to July 1776 and was intended to widely circulate the historic declaration. It stands as one of only ten known surviving copies of this specific printing, many of which are housed in esteemed institutional collections, as noted by Observer journalist Elisa Carollo.

Kalika Sands, Sotheby’s head of books and manuscripts for the Americas, remarked, “This rare printing of the Declaration of Independence is a cornerstone of American history, offering a glimpse into the transformative moment when the United States declared its independence. This broadside, one of the earliest versions to reach the public, not only captures the bold spirit of a nation in its infancy but also stands as a timeless emblem of American heritage.”

Following the Continental Congress’s adoption of the Declaration on July 4, 1776, the document was sent to Congress’s official printer, John Dunlap. He worked rapidly to set the text in type that evening, according to details from the lot listing. These copies were then distributed throughout the colonies, where local printers created their editions.

Experts attribute this specific broadside to Robert Luist Fowle, a printer based in Exeter, New Hampshire. While Fowle was known to be a royalist, he printed the Declaration in his own publication, the New Hampshire Gazette, alongside producing it as a standalone broadside. Barbara Rimkunas from the Portsmouth Herald commented in 2010, “One can only imagine what was going through his mind as he set the type.”

This broadside is notable for its distinctive two-column layout and the use of italic typeface. Additionally, it features typographical errors in the names of John Hancock and Charles Thomson, who served as the president and secretary of the Continental Congress, respectively. Although Hancock’s name was later corrected, Thomson’s contains a misspelling that remains on this copy.

This variation of the Declaration sold at Christie’s four years ago for $930,000. However, as it heads to auction on January 24, expectations are that its price will exceed this figure significantly.

Selby Kiffer, Sotheby’s senior international specialist for books and manuscripts, noted a growing interest among collectors in such historical artifacts in recent years. He stated, “This influx of interest has driven competition and set several new auction records,” as reported by Brian Boucher for Artnet.

If the auction reaches its anticipated estimates, this broadside could become one of the most expensive copies of the Declaration ever sold, with the record currently held by a version sold for $8.1 million in 2000 at Sotheby’s, and another copy fetching $3.4 million over the summer.

Conclusion

The auction of this rare broadside encapsulates a pivotal moment in American history and reflects the enduring significance of the Declaration of Independence. As collectors and historians alike await the auction, this copy not only represents a physical artifact but also a testament to the values and aspirations that shaped the nation.

Source
www.smithsonianmag.com